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Blue Sox red over umpire's decision

Jon Tuxworth

THE Australian Baseball League has no plans to prohibit umpire Greg Kent from controlling Canberra games after Sydney insinuated the fact his son is a Cavalry player may have affected a game-winning decision.

With the score locked at 3-3 in Canberra on Sunday, the Blue Sox exchanged heated words with officials after Kent ruled Cavalry player Ryan Stovall safe at home plate in the 12th inning, which secured a vital win for the hosts.

The Blue Sox issued a press release saying ''after a few seconds of personal contemplation, the home plate umpire, father of Cavalry pitcher Steve Kent, called Stovall, safe, setting off a wild celebration by the Cavalry''.

The release was later amended to omit any reference to Greg and Steve's family ties, with the writer issuing an unreserved apology on his Twitter account. The match was crucial for both sides, with Canberra drawing level with Sydney on top of the table with one regular round series remaining.

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Over the first three years of the competition the clubs have developed a healthy ''big brother, little brother'' rivalry.

ABL general manager Ben Foster said he had received no complaints from Sydney, and harbours no concerns over appointing Kent to officiate future Cavalry games. ''If there was an issue there, we would have had an issue all season. Greg's been there all season and we stand by him as one of the top umpires in Canberra, and that's the reason why he was appointed to the panel in the first place,'' Foster said.

''As far as I'm concerned, it's one of many judgment calls umpires make through the course of game. We have no issue with it and, moving forward, we'll just appoint the best people available.

''That may or may not change for play-offs, as it always does. Obviously not everyone's playing, so we have the full national panel to choose from.

''We do evaluate the umpires ongoing. I think he calls it as he sees it. As soon as you start thinking about leaning one way or the other you're in trouble.

''Up until this point it's certainly not been an issue, and not one we're concerned about from our point of view. ''

Due to financial constraints, ABL matches are officiated by local umpires, but Foster indicated that may change for the play-offs.

Blue Sox general manager David Balfour said the club had moved on and had no issue with Kent, adding the post-play reaction was one of frustration and disappointment.

''As far as I was concerned, the decision wasn't right but the decision was made. We just walk away and forget it and worry about next week,'' he said. ''[There were] a few heated words at the end, yeah. It's a bit of controversy but it's just one of those things. Perception can be different.

''There's no animosity towards him; it's just frustration. He does the best job he believes possible, which is the important thing, and he's got our support.''